“The need to save money on energy for people is getting more and more,” she said.

“The Greens see this bill as being a cost effective way that we can actually do something about climate change.”

Ms Le Couteur says the bill also includes a provision for energy-efficient systems to be installed in existing homes where possible.

“The reason we want to do it is two-fold,solar heat pump, it will save people money in the long run in terms of operating their house and it will save the environment – there’ll be less greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.